Cmdr. John W. Arbuckle relieved Cmdr. Patrick J. Murphy as commander, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14) during a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 9. 

Murphy, a native of New Baltimore, Mich., is a 1999 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He assumed command of HM-14 in June 2017. Murphy expressed his appreciation for the individual efforts in HM-14 that made his command successful.

“The squadron was amazing and did everything I asked of them and more,” said Murphy. “I have truly enjoyed my time as commanding officer. I will miss walking around the squadron spaces and watching everyone do their jobs; jobs which at most times seem like almost impossible tasks.”

A native of Eric, Penn., Arbuckle graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and qualified as a Naval Aviator in July 2000.

“I am truly honored to take command of this great squadron,” said Arbuckle. “At the same time, I am humbled knowing how high [Murphy] has set the bar for leadership and tactical excellence while leading HM-14. All command is challenging, but command of a squadron presents some unique challenges, all of which [Murphy] met and conquered with a diligence and a humility that I hope I can emulate during my tour.”

Murphy previously served as Reserve Officer in Charge and Operations Officer of HM-14.

HM-14, flying the MH-53E Sea Dragon, is one of the largest and most unique squadrons in the Navy. It is one of two squadrons Navy-wide that have integrated an Active Duty airborne mine countermeasures squadron with its reserve counterpart, with approximately 400 Active Duty and 250 TAR and Selected Reserve personnel. The "Vanguard" of HM-14 is capable of rapidly deploying to any part of the world within 72 hours via Air Force C-5s.

HM-14 was established on 12 May 1978, at Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia.

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